1993 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

In my October tasting both 1993 Cabernets were more tannic and closed than the 1992s. The 1993 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley is one of the more tannic and backward wines I have tasted from Silver Oak. Now that it has been bottled, it has closed down, displaying far less lushness and obvious concentration than it did last year. The color remains a healthy dark ruby/purple, and the nose offers earthy, toasty new oak, and sweet black fruit aromas. Tight, yet powerful and rich, this full-bodied, dense, atypically backward Cabernet Sauvignon does not possess Silver Oak's usual approachability and precociousness. Nevertheless, this wine has plenty of merit. It should drink well after 3-5 years of cellaring, and last for 15+ years. These All-American Cabernet Sauvignons continue to be "can't miss" propositions with the majority of Cabernet lovers. (release date, 2/98) One of America's favorite Cabernet Sauvignon producers, Silver Oak Cellars produces over 40,000 cases of their Alexander Valley and Napa Valley cuvees. As I have said so many times in the past, it is hard to dislike a Silver Oak Cabernet as they are ripe, deliciously well-oaked, soft, plump, multi-layered, and silky. Recent vintages have all been strong efforts. It will be interesting to continue to report on their next 10-20 years of evolution. Tel. (707) 857-3562; Fax (707) 857-3135